Here's just a few recent pictures.

The first is of Trae, April and I. We stood together in the wedding and were in charge of dancing fun at the reception.

Around the middle is a picture of Brandon and myself. He makes me pretty happy friends!

Then there's me and Courtney and finally the happy couple themselves Staci and Kevin. Their wedding was incredible and was everything they could have ever wanted.

Time flies....

I'm having a hard time believing that it's already July 2nd. That's crazy.

So as for updates...here they are.

1. I finally got an acceptance letter into Piedmont. I'm pretty excited about this and will start classes in the fall.

2. I'm dating someone. His name is Brandon and he's a pretty neat guy. I really like him a lot and just enjoy getting to spend time with him.

I went home this weekend to see my mom and it was an incredible visit. I didn't really have the chance to go see a lot of "friends" but it was ok, but I got the chance to spend a lot of time with family. My family is getting old, and it's pretty sad to think that soon there may not be that many of them around, so I'm just trying to spend a lot of time with them now while I can.

So that's about it. I work everyday this summer from 9:30-6:30 so it leaves little time for other things, but it's ok. It keeps me out of trouble I guess :)

Hope everyone is having a great summer.

Today

was by far one of the toughest if not the toughest day since daddy has been gone. But I'm so overwhelmed by God's goodness in my life. I'm sure there will be more days like this, but I'm so thankful that I serve an amazing, comforting, peace giving God.

MAT Score

MAT score needed to get into Piedmont - 374

Christine Leigh Davis' score - 380

Weight off her shoulders - Pricess!

Small Update

I still have no real grounds to do a huge update. There are still a few little things in the works, so we'll see where they all go.

I am back from camp though praise the Lord. It was a great time, probably one of the best ran camps I've ever been to, and the people that I got to be in contact with were amazing, but sleeping on my own mattress (yes you read mattress) feels good!

If any of you are on facebook you can look at my profile and see the group IMPACT 2007 and see some pictures of the week.

The theme this year was Identity in Christ. I had the task of being a team leader in Red 2 which is one of the middle school, schools. I can't imagine how much better off in life I would have been if someone would have taught me the stuff we were pouring into them this week about knowing who they are in Christ. It's my prayer that they walked away on Friday not just knowing that the Lord loves them, and chose them, and forgives them completely and isn't mad at them, but that they believe that as well.

So...It's back to work tomorrow at the day care and the next big event is Staci's wedding on 07-07-07. I'm one of 21 bridesmaids and 18 groomsmen. We've been planning our dance moves for the reception and I must say we should be selling tickets!!!

Until there's something to report...peace out!

Really???

I'm sitting here at 3:46 (EST) acting like I don't have anywhere to go or be in 45 minutes and it takes 30 to get there, and I just got out of the shower. Yeah I'm a loser. My friends do say that I have my own time...Criddy Time that is. I'll get there when I get there.

If this week doesn't produce results or answers I might simply go and blow my self up, or at least pay Jack Bauer to do it for me.

Sunday I leave to go to camp in the middle of the mountains, away from e-mail, mail and phone service, so knowing something this week would be incredible.

Oh well...guess I'm suppose to be learning some kind of lesson. I hope I didn't forget and prayed for patience somewhere along the way.

I'm still on a mission

To be Mrs.Taylor Hicks and Jordan was precious.

What's love got to do with it??

So for most of my 26 years I've been trying to wrap my mind around what the word LOVE means! I mean I attach it all the time to things that I really don't love. I love hot dogs?? Come on. I love Wal-Mart?? And I do..like me some wally-world. I love 4Him, Alabama football (though it is a passion)!! I could come up with a long list of things that I LOVE!

But what does it mean to LOVE...to love unconditionally. To love because it's what Jesus said I should do to my neighbor, and it's in return of what I've been shown by others.

So how do I love others? Well usually...I wear out my welcome at places because I'm needy, or I distance myself from friends that it's to hard to be friends with, or I completely turn my back on long standing, trusted friends...because something new and better has come along, or I never give back to a family that has so sacrifically loved on me since the day that they chose me, or I treat those I can in anger because I know that they will love me back, or....etc. etc. etc.

But this week I've learned a lesson that can only come through a child. I've been around these 1st and 2nd graders for just a week, and already they love me. Now I don't say that as a prideful statement and here's why...I say that because it's amazing to me that they don't know me, yet they love me. They don't know my faults, and even if they did, they're 1st graders...they wouldn't care. They just love me because I'm Miss Christy and that's what they want to do. I'm the one with the band-aid and the silly voice when they fall of the swing set. I'm the female that wraps my arms around them, when they live with grand ma or dad because mom is a dead beat...or worse case...dead. I'm just Miss Christy and that's all that they need...just someone to love and someone to love them back.

So how should I love? With unselfishness...not because I need to buy your friendship, but because I love you enough to do whatever I can to help you in your time of need. With reckless abandon because sometimes we just need someone to go over the top for us. With compasssion because sometimes we need someone to just be there and be a silent witness to what we are going through. With all that I have, no matter what you've done or what I've done, because God can still use all of us no matter what our backgrounds.

Maybe this will only make sense to me...but at least it's out of my head for the night.

Random Thoughts on a Saturday morning...

So since I have no real update on life right now...I just thought I would post some random thoughts.

I get up so early during the week that it's hard for me to sleep in like I use to. I had to FORCE myself to sleep till 9:30 this morning. I use to be able to sleep till 11 or even noon with no problem.

So since I was up I decided to see what was on TV and good ol' USA was playing The Breakfast Club. Now there's nothing I love better than watching a good classic like Breafast Club, but it's even better on cable TV because you can hear the voice overs. Molly Ringwald is not a BRAT in the original...

Other than still being in waiting mode...life is good. I'm really just learning to take time and enjoy the amazing friendships around me. Trying to just have a great time every time we get together.

Hopefully by the end of next week I should have a BIGGER update. Keep your fingers crossed!!

I'm horrible...

at waiting!

* Waiting on MAT scores
* Waiting on acceptance to Piedmont
* Waiting on answers to tough questions that I don't want to be asking in the first place.
* Waiting on what I think the next step in life should be...

I've never been good at waiting, but looks like I have no other choice right now.

Out with the old....

In with a NEW CAR!! Well new to me. IT's a 2005 Honda Civic. He's so pretty. That's right it's a he. I've decided that since he's blue...this car will be a HE. His name is Vince and he's already promised to my friend Courtney's car...Yolanda the Honda.

I did tear up though when Old Red was driven away. I've had that car since 2000, the begining of my second semester at Judson. I've cried in that car, prayed in that car, laughed my butt off in that car...and well...some other things I can't put on here. But she's in a better place now.

The MAT went ok. There were a few that I knew right off the bat, a few that I made a pretty good educated guess on...and a whole bunch that I randomly guessed at.

So now we are just waiting to....

1. Find another job to help pay for Vince
2. Wait to hear from Piedmont. All the application stuff is sent in, so it's in their hands.
3. Wait to hear from the MAT


I've really, really slacked with the running and eating well. My good ol' accountability partner is not at fault either...he's yelled at me quite frequently. But I just lost the want to. Maybe Monday after the family reunion i'll get back on track. But until then...Aunt Jettie is cooking me breakfast tomorrow and the famliy reunion is Sunday. Wahoo!!

Update and a thought...

So here's the update on my goals for this year...

1. I've registered for the MAT on May 1st at 4:30 p.m. I've been studying and i'm going to start taking practice test online this week.

2. All of my after school job opps have fallen through...so saving money is at the least of the priority list right now...but I'm searching for additional jobs now.

3. I've lost a few more pounds but JDAY weekend put me behind on that...still worth it though!

4. See #2 for answer to saving for an emergency fund!

5. I'm up to running my subdivison which is around a mile, and then I'm doing some at the park. Not going as great as I would like it too...but it's getting there slowly.

6. One of the conditions for grad school was that you have a 2.5 GPA from college. I had a 2.518! Once again I have gotten by with the skin of my teeth. All of my application process is done except reference letters being sent in and transcripts and then my score on the MAT. I'm nervous, but think I'll be ok.

7. Can't get a 4.0 without being accepted.

8. Still no TAT...come on friends!

9. Keeping a pretty positive attitude on all of it. It's all still very doable and I'm excited about being able to check off each thing on my list.

Other than that...I'm just waiting. I find myself in a place of expectancy and waiting as to what God has next for me. There are a few things in my life right now that I wish would just fall into place. A few pieces to the puzzle that I wish would start being put together. But I'm learning that my strength arises as I wait upon the Lord, and that His ways and thoughts are much higher than mine. I'm learning to expect and hope for great things, and not be shocked when they happen. To trust in a Good and Faithful Lord.

Judson or BUST

So I'm home right now, trying to motivate myself to go finish packing and finish getting ready. I'm excited about coming to Judson, just still as lazy as I ever was.

I found this article the other day though and thought I would share it. I love the part where he says that he can't worship a Jesus that he could beat up.

Anyway...I'm on the way soon. Can't wait to see you girls!??

Interview with Mark Driscoll:

-What trends in church and worship styles do you see? Are they positive or negative?

-Driscoll: "I'll be happy when we have more than just prom songs to Jesus sung by some effeminate guy on an acoustic guitar offered as mainstream worship music."

-What do you see as the greatest challenge for young Christians in the next 10 years?

-Driscoll: "There is a strong drift toward the hard theological left. Some emergent types want to recast Jesus as a limp-wrist hippie in a dress with a lot of product in His hair, who drank decaf and made pithy Zen statements about life while shopping for the perfect pair of shoes. In Revelation, Jesus is a pride fighter with a tattoo down His leg, a sword in His hand and the commitment to make someone bleed. That is a guy I can worship. I cannot worship the hippie, diaper, halo Christ because I cannot worship a guy I can beat up. I fear some are becoming more cultural than Christian, and without a big Jesus who has authority and hates sin as revealed in the Bible, we will have less and less Christians, and more and more confused, spiritually self-righteous blogger critics of Christianity."

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUSAN!!!

It's all a mistake...

I really think that Judson meant to be Eastern Orthodox instead of Baptist.
See if you can find the similarities....

I went to Pascha the other night, which is the Eastern Orthodox service that brings in Easter if you will.

* It started off at 11 p.m.
* It started off in a dark room
* We lit a candle and went outside
* The priest banged on the door of the church for us to be let in
* Lots of chanting

Ring any bells friends??

It was a great experience though I was totally lost for much of the service and the people in front of me were not helping me out by falling asleep. At 2 in the morning, I get really delirious and giggly.

4 more days friends, 4 more days!!

Wow.....

http://www.brookhills.org/media/pages_videos/page_video_easter0702.htm

Happy Birthday THUMBELINA

OR BETH!! Hope you have a great one!!

New Year's resolutions...

Ok..so it's April 2nd. But in a way, since the end of the last 21 days, I feel the need to make some new "goals" for my life. A check list if you will of things that I want to accomplish this year. Putting them out in the open, keeps me a little more accountable I guess.

1. Score a 55 on the MAT
2. Save enough money to buy a LAPtop
3. Lose 30 more LBS
4. Save up at least 500.00 for an "emergency" fund...Dave gives us poor people a break by saying we only have to have 500.00
5. Run a 10k....(until you read my blog, you'll never know that I'm signing up to do this...we'll see how often you actually check this thing friend)...(also note that I have till the end of the year to complete this...don't be signing us up for one next week!!) (and quit talking to God about crazy things you think I need to do...)
6. Be accepted into Grad school (conditionally or unconditionally, I don't care..just get me in.)
7. Complete my first semester of grad school with a 4.0
8. GET A FREAKING TATTOO...MY FRIENDS NEED TO GET ON THE BALL AND HELP ME WITH THIS ONE...HINT HINT...ROOMIE AND ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNER!
9. Keep a POSITIVE attitude that ALL of this is OBTAINABLE AND POSSIBLE.

So there it is...let the ride begin!

It's been awesome...

That's the running joke around my life for the last 21 days. You see I signed up with a few of my friends to eat only vegtables and fruits and whole grains for 21 days. On days when the food was absolutely at it's worst, we tried to convince ourselves that it was awesome. You can only say that so many times and still not believe it. I lost 15 pounds though and gained some much needed wisdom and strength during this time. I've learned about myself, both good and bad. I've trusted people more than ever before...and if they're reading this they need to know how much of a compliment that is to them. I've also come away with more questions than answers...but that's my life it seems. I had never attempted anything like this...so today...on day 22....accomplishment is a great word. We never cheated, never intentionally anyway, and the accountability was in your face for 8 hours a day. (That's what happens when you work with the people).

One thing that I have decided to do, with much counsel from my pastor, friends, and other people at my school, is to begin work on my master's degree in the fall at Piedmont College, in Special Education. Now, if you know me, you know what a horrible student I am, and what a horrible test taker I am. So to say that I am nervous about the whole admissions process, is a HUGE understatement. HUGE. Dr.H and Dr.Tew are both filling out my recommendations. I've asked the VP of a Baptist College and a Preacher to lie and say that I was a good student =). Dr.H's response was..."um hum...I can say a lot of nice things and not have to lie." What true Dr.H form huh?

So that's about it. I think i've experienced every emotion possible during the last 21 days. From major, major breakdown/meltdown/ moments, anger, frustration, peace, extreme sadness and grief, to joy...It's been awesome!!!

Highway 5...take me home...to the place...I belong

Through Alabama...to my mama...take me home...Highway 5.

I hope that as Jennifer and Susan read that today that they almost pee in their pants from recalling the ever famous late night info-mercial e-mail with great songs from our time at Judson. There are a LOT more where that came from!

BUT..instead of Highway 5...it's going to be interstate 20..followed by the most red lights you've ever seen in a row...followed by the longest stretch of highway 431 that you've ever seen...and then one turn past the big tree and the one stop light and i'll finally be back in New Hope for the first time since Christmas.

I will have to say though, that as this week and especially last night, as I was thinking about going home, it hit me that there a hard reality that awaits for me now every time I go home. It's like I've been able to hide from it almost here in Georgia. I mean sure, it's always there, some how just on the tip of my thoughts, but going home is a cold hard reminder of what's happened in my life the past few months and how that is never going to change. I know that there are people that have it so much worse that I do...I mean I look at my friend from college that is truly now an orphan. Sure she's an adult, but even adults need their parents still. It's more of knowing that what never really was, now has no potential to ever be...and even what little bit I had is gone. Some times the dull ache of just being a daughter without a dad hits me, and in weeks like this...where i'm homesick and emotional to begin with, it consumes me.

I grew up thinking that my mom never really liked my dad. I mean she might have loved him somehow, but never really liked him. They would fight, cuss, throw things, yell...but the day that we walked away for the last time from him, she wasn't leaving behind some man that she had exsisted with for the last 30 something years, she was leaving behind her valentine, her soul mate, her husband. She left behind the man that she met, because 30 something years ago she was stranded on the side of the road with a flat tire, and he stopped to fix it and asked what time supper was!!

So I'm going home, to whatever faces me...but to see my mom, see my friends, and just be home for a while!

So when are you going to get a real job and become a teacher...

That's what I've heard almost all of my life, and especially in the past few years of being in ministry. Well...it might be coming true...at least for a little while. Today I'm going to turn in my application at a few Private Christian Schools in the area. I don't want to go through the mess of having to become a "real" teacher, so I'm going to try and go this route for a little while. I'll still be the children's person for Mill Creek, I'll just be making a decent income while I'm at it. So if you read this, say a little prayer today.

Things i'm thankful for...

No particular order...but Number 1...IS MY NUMBER 1.

1. THE PINK SHORTS HAVE BEEN FOUND. CALL OF THE SEARCH...AND THE MEMORIAL SERVICE PLANS...
2. That J-day is in approx 61 days and counting.
3. That my mother says that I am her Valentine.
4. That my hair is finally thinned out.
5. That I have thick hair to thin out.
6. That our church has a new place to meet and that starting tomorrow there's another chapter in the life of Mill Creek beginning.


There's more i'm sure..but i'm tired and ready to get this mud mask thing off my face and go to bed.

In case you haven't heard...

For the Judson Girls...if you haven't heard my story of my run in at a local deli here in Georgia..you should...but you should hear it over the phone or better yet in person. It's way to good for a blog.

In other news, my mother says she's coming to Georgia for a visit. Honestly...this scares the living crap out of me. I mean it was one thing when she would come to Judson to visit...not that that ever happened between moving days, but somehow this is different. What if my life now doesn't meet her approval? What if in Kay Davis fashion she says something that totally comes off as offensive to someone? What..my mother...never! Still, I'm excited that she's coming. I really want her to be ok with me being here, and want her to love it as much as I do.

In much sadder news, I think I might have lost the original pink shorts. I'm sure they're just hidden under a bed somewhere or a drawer or something. Lord Baby Jesus..please send them back to me.

Someone needs to come see me soon. I miss you people like a fat kid misses cake.

If these old walls...

I miss those old walls tonight so much. I want someone with me right now that knows exactly what i'm thinking, exactly what I'm needing, and what to do about it.

I miss running to Jennifer's room to all hang out around the "unsanctioned" children at play table and sitting in lawn chairs. I miss having someone around me that had nothing else to do either...or maybe we had lots we needed to do, but knew that college was about so much more than just an education. I miss the roof and all of the amazing conversations that it led to...no matter what your purpose of going out on the roof was. I miss pennies. I even miss studying around the round table in the lobby! I miss asking everyone and anyone if they had heard that Dave Thomas had died!

I just miss it!

Here's what I've learned since I haven't paid my cell phone bill...

1. You really can live without one. I mean, sure, it's harder for people to keep in touch with you, and to some point it's kind of become a way of life, but you really can survive without it. It's amazing that the huge thing that Zack Morris use to carry around has now become a necessity to life.

2. You won't believe how much rest I've gotten since I haven't had to worry about talking after my phone turns free at 9 p.m.... I needed that rest too since I've been sick as a dog this week. I mean really...how much snot can one person produce.

3. That even though this little vacation from technology has been nice, I'll pay my bill on Wednesday and you should all be able to call me if you chose so. But for now, if you need me, e-mail me and I'll send you my house number.

I'm sick and ready to be over it. There's really only so much Tylenol Sinus you can take before you go insane. Sleep never comes at night either. How come I can take naps and not cough at all, but lay down to go to sleep, and I almost kill myself trying to cough it all up? geez.

I've been praying through a lot of things lately concerning my future. Our church has been through quite a few changes the past few months, and it's really been a test to see who can survive the "church planting process." We were told a lot of what is happening would happen, maybe I was just to naive to believe it, or really didn't believe that I would even still be here at this point. But even with all that's happened, this is where I feel I'm suppose to be. SO...to continue to work at the church for free, I have to find other employment after this school year. I can't continue to work special ed and expect to be sane. It's not a job that you go to and leave. And that's the kind of job that I need. But I'm so grateful for being where I've been. Some of the most amazing relationships I have in Georgia have come from this experience.

God has been teaching me so much lately. I've always had a problem with letting guilt and shame get in my way. It's just always been a foothold that I've let Satan have in my life. But God has been teaching me that "I can approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that I may receive mercy and find grace..." For so long I've asked others to do this for me, or I've sinned and thought at the end of the day..there's no way that I can talk to God today. But I have to remember that I'm a sinner, that's not really going to change. How often, and which sins I chose to run back to can change...but until I'm made perfect in Him, that's my reality. So I can spend weeks at a time, in shame and guilt, over the smallest or biggest things, OR I can chose to BOLDLY go to the throne and ask for the gifts that He has to give me. Not gifts that I deserve...but gifts that He CHOSE to lavish on me because He LOVED ME. Choosing to accept God's LOVE is probably my number one challenge in life. But I'm getting there...slowly but surely.

So that's the update. I've got a few more things I've learned but there's only so much sense you can make drugged up!!

YAY!

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I'm glad we made a pact...

So here it is...the long awaited real post. A lot has happened since my last "real" post, but I'll let most of the pictures do the talking. It was good to have a break from school. Wish I was still on one in fact. The mee-maw Christmas this year was by far, hands down, number one voted, the best Christmas we have had together. After all, we made a pact to have great times every year didn't we? It was good to see everyone, admire the ornaments, lay in the hot tub (though we didn't really prepare well for that one) and eat more chicken than 7 girls should ever attempt to eat. We stayed up later than we've done in the past few mee-maw get togethers, but not so late that it was gross trying to get up and moving the next morning.

Christmas in New Hope was a bag full of emotions. That's expected though, and I'm just glad we got through it and on to a New Year. Mom (Kay) is doing well, and making it through better than we could have ever hoped for or imagined considering all that's she's been through. Way to go Kay!

New Year's was a heck load of fun. I spent it in Georgia with the friends here. Longhorn's, Sparklers, Sparkling drinks (just sparkling though), fun hats, IPOD mishaps, and RainX made for a fun night. We even took pictures with Dick on the big screen TV at Kevin's house.

And then life got back to normal. I've spent some time thinking over the past few days about the blessings in my life. I have so much to be so thankful for. I couldn't begin to imagine life without all the friends and family that I have that surround me and support me. I'm thankful for a home town that's so small that you truly have amazing relationships with a lot of people. No matter how far you may go from it, it's always home and always there. I'm thankful for a college that gave me a great education, but more importanly gave me a group of girls that will go with me, where ever, no matter what. We may not talk every day, every week, or even more than a few times a year...but when something happens...good or bad, we know in our hearts the love that we share for each other will always be there. There are ties that bind us together in all that we do. I'm thankful for pacts and hats and people that strive to keep them. I'm thankful for a place that God has led me to, that teaches me to grow everyday. A place where unconditional love is shown, and no matter how hard you may try, they never grow past loving you. A place where I've been poured into and taught how to pour into others. A place where I've been given freedom and permission to be who I am, while encouragment to be more than I've ever dared to dream of being.

I'm blessed!

No it's not a real post

But this is a great new things i've found...

www.43things.com

GREAT

3 More days to go...AND

BETH FINALLY POSTED! YAY!!!

5 WHOLE DAYS!!

6 Days and Counting!

Oh I'm so ready!

FEDEX

Says my ornament should be here on the 12th. I can't wait to see the person open it up! MEE-MAWS get ready for Christmas 06!!!

Out of Control

That's exactly what my life feels like right now. I never knew all of the emotions that I could feel at once...but here's just a few.

Frustrated - At myself for the mess I've made lately with relationships and my life.

Thankful - When I stop to think of all the amazing people who love me in spite of myself. I started just running down a list the other day of friends that would do anything for me and care about me...and the list was overwhelming...i'm blessed.

Envious - Of those at my age that seem to have it all together.

Regret - Of the past that can not change.

Sorrow - It feels weird to be a daughter without a dad.

Tormented - By the images, sounds and smell of death.

Hope - That someday, if I'm blessed with a husband and children, that I'll have the chance to correct some wrongs and be all that my children may need from a mom and be a wife that is my husbands strongest supporter.

Determination - To never allow myself to be like "her" in any way.

Anger - At what I've let others do to me in my past, anger at what they've stolen from me (more than possessions) and anger that I continue to let them steal and rob me of joy and sound mind.

Blessed - To be around such Godly, wonderful, patient, incredible, people who would walk through hell with me.

Overwhelmed - At the Sovereignty of God. It's overwhelming to think on the fact that My God is a God that never changes, and that remains faithful. It's taken me falling on my face the past few days and weeks to come to the understanding that I am nothing without him and that apart from Him I CAN DO NOTHING. It is He that gives me my next breath, and it is only by his amazing power, strength and grace that I can stand.

I truly stand amazed in the presence of Jesus, and wonder how he could love me, a sinner...but how marvelous, how wonderful is His glory. Lord work in our lives in such an astounding way that only YOU can be given the credit for what incredible things happen.

I'm in process right now of trying to regain perspective on life, ministry and relationships. I'll let you know if I get any!!!

Hurt

You know how sometimes it takes you a few times of hearing a song before you catch on to what it's saying. This one if fairly new and by Christina Aguilera, but I really "heard" it for the first time today and I have to say that it hit me like a ton of bricks. I thought I knew what grieving looked like, I mean I've been through it before, but I guess each process is different.


Seems like it was yesterday when I saw your face.
You told me how proud you were but I walked away.
If I only I knew what I know today, ohhhh.

I would hold you in my arms.
I would take the pain away.
Thank you for all you've done.
Forgive all your mistakes.
There's nothing I wouldn't do.
To hear your voice again.
Sometimes I wanna call you but I know you won't be there.

Oh, I'm sorry for blaming you.
For everything I just couldn't do.
And I've hurt myself by hurting you.

Some days I feel broke inside, but I won't admit.
Sometimes I just wanna hide cuz it's you I miss.
You know it's so hard to say good-bye when it comes to this, ohhhh yeah.

Would you tell me I was wrong?
Would you help me understand?
Are you looking down upon me?
Are you proud of who I am?
There's nothing I wouldn't do.
To have just one more chance.
To look into your eyes and see you looking back.

Oh, I'm sorry for blaming you.
For everything I just couldn't do.
And I've hurt myself, oh...

If I had just one more day.
I would tell you how much that I've missed you since you've been away.
Oh, It's dangerous.
It's so out of line to try and turn back time.

I'm sorry for blaming you.
For everything I just couldn't do.
And I've hurt myself....
by hurting you.

I'm back!

I'm back in Georgia. Not much up for posting right now. Maybe in the days to come. But just wanted to thank you all for your prayers and support. They transitioned into God's grace and strength for my family. We're ok. Not great, not bad...but ok.

Love you all!
Christy

Today is worse

He's losing blood but we don't know that source. Fever has been steady at 104 and not breaking. I'm headed home tonight probably...maybe tomorrow after school, but I doubt that I can make it that much longer without being there.

I'll try and post in the next few days and will call someone that can pass along the news to most of you readers if something happens.

Not an update I wanted to give...

But I figured since this was an easy way to reach most of my friends....here goes.

As of this morning, they have him resting very comfortably (thanks to morphine) and have his vitals under control. He does have double pneumonia (never really got over it) and now has developed a staff infection in his blood stream. The doctors want to get him as situated as they can before they release him back to the nursing home, where Hospice will take over care. We have chose to place a feeding tube into him, but will not be taking any measures to place him on the ventilator. This was not an easy decision for my mother and myself, and we have wrestled with whether it's the right one, but for now it's the decision we have arrived at.

So there you go...One hour at a time, one day a time. I'll keep you updated.

Thanks for your prayers! Love you all!

Will I ever get it all figured out!!

What I want to do with my life. I mean I know I'm called where I am...but do I want to get a Master's to start teaching so that I can make more money and live a little more comfortable? Do I go get a Master of Divinity...and have you seen the requirements from anywhere besides Liberty?? Geez...Am I really cut out to do that again? I barely did it the first time. Would I have time being a children's minister, para-pro and a student again? I just have the restlessness in me right now, a discomfort for where I'm headed and I don't really know what to do. Part of me wants to sit back and let God work and do His thing, and know that He will show me what to do....but part of me just wants to fix everything myself, figure something out and go for it.

I have no clue...and even though I don't have to make these decisions tomorrow...I still would love to know what I'm suppose to do. Anybody else have a clue for me?

ROLL TIDE!

JUST GEARING UP FOR SATURDAY!! ROLL TIDE!!

Wow

There's a businessman
There's a widowed wife
A smIling face with a shattered life
A teenage girl with a choice to make
It's crowded here in church today

And the preacher says as the sermon ends
Please close your eyes
Bow your heads
Is there anyone in need of prayer
Oh Jesus wants to meet you here

'Cuz we all fall short and we all have sinned
But where you left, God's grace begins

It's beautiful
Beautiful
Come as you are
surrender your heart
Broken and beautiful

Well, he'd never been to church before
but he came today as a last resort
His world was crashing in
and he was suffocating in his sin

but tears rolled down as hope rushed in
He closed his eyes
Raised his hand
Worshipping the God who can bring him back to life again and

It's beautiful
Beautiful
Come as you are
surrender your heart
Broken and beautiful
Beautiful
Come as you are
surrender your heart
Broken and beautiful

'Cuz there's nothing more beautiful than God
and when his sons and daughters come broken

Hallelujah Hallelujah
come as you are
Hallelujah Hallelujah
Come as you are

Broken and beautiful
Beautiful
Come as you are
Surrender your heart
Broken and beautiful
Beautiful
Come as you are
Surrender your heart
Broken and beautiful

Come as you are
Broken and beautiful (Hallelujah)
Beautiful (Hallelujah)
Come as you are
Surrender your heart
Broken and beautiful
Broken and beautiful
Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh
Beautiful

I needed some encouragment today....

After going through some old e-mails the other day...I ran across this one and just had to have a good laugh and cry. It did serve to remind me that I really can do things when I set my mind to them.


>===== Original Message From JUDITH ROBERTS =====
Dr. Potts has given permission for each of you to march in graduation at the
end of the line. However, your names will not be printed in the program and
you will not receive a diploma cover. The policy of the college is to only
print and call names of those who have completed all requirements.

Once you complete all your graduation requirements you may choose to walk
again next year and have your name in the program and receive your diploma, or
we can mail you your diploma whenever all requirements are met.

Judith L. Roberts, Ph.D.
Vice President and Dean of Faculty
Judson College
Marion, Alabama 36756
334-683-5106

I had to put this one up to...you'd be laughing that hard if you had a ball of flames coming at your head!

My friends are great!

Redeem My Time

I was told Sunday to redeem my time today on my wonderful day off, after an eventful and tiring weekend...I think getting up at 1:45p.m. would be considered as redeeming and wasting...but I've loved every minute of it.

I'm in a great debate with myself over whether or not I should trade Little Red in. She's been a great car these 6 years that we've been together, but bless her heart, her time is coming close. My transmission slipped the other day though, and there are a few little things that are starting to go bad. I really don't WANT a car payment, but I don't WANT to be on the side of the road stuck either. My horoscope into Woman's World said to plan and not act (not that I really listen to those things!!). So I think I might take that advice for another week and at least not make a decision until I go home for Thanksgiving.

I do know this...that I will cry like a baby when I trade her in. I got her in January of my freshman year at Judson. That's been almost 6 years ago. Think of all that we've been through in those 6 years.

Anyway...can't think of that now. I have to think of how i'm going to redeem the next few hours and actually go find a way to make this day somewhat productive. If I even just get all of my laundry caught up it would be a good day.

The End

I had poppy seed dressing today...

and it was actually really good, compared to that crap Marie like at Golden Club Banquet the year she was in a trance from returning from Africa.

Other than that...I have a long thought out post that's coming soon, but I think i'll save it for closer to the weekend...when I GET TO SEE MY FRIENDS!! WAHOO!!!!

The Church At Mill Creek

1. We Value God.
We Will Glorify God and enjoy Him through
lifestyles of personal worship

2. We value People.
We value people as GodÂ’s creation.

3. We value relationships.
We value the deepening of intimacy and
trust by developing authentic relationships
with one another in community.

4. We Value the family.
The family is GodÂ’s first institution and one
of His choice tools to make disciples in this
world. We will therefore, seek to equip
families to make disciples at home.

5. We value ChristÂ’s mission in this world.
We will focus the mission of Church at Mill
Creek around ChristÂ’s personal mission,
“to seek and to save that which is lost,” and
his personal ministry methodology of
multiplying His influence in this world through
Disciple-making.

6. We value time.
Time is a gift from God. We will be good
stewards of the time He has given us to help
people come into and enjoy a relationship with
Him!
7. We value integrity.
We value both individual and ministry
integrity. We will encourage people to pursue
God personally, to care for their family, and
use their ministry gifts in the balanced lifestyle
called for in the Scriptures.

8. We value simplicity.
The uniqueness of The Church at Mill Creek is
found in our intentional effort to accomplish
more, by doing less. This focus on simplicity will
empower us to do the few things we do with
excellence, and empower individuals and
families to pursue individual ministries.



These are the core values of The Church At Mill Creek, the church plant that I work at as a children's minister. It's a model of ministry that is unique, yet becoming a lot more common in "church world" today. The thought behind it is that when you strip away the excessive ministry that we sometime think is important, you are free to get back to the basics of Christianity.

1. To pursue God on a personal level. As a church we have done a HUGE injustice to believers by allowing them to believe that coming to church is what "feeds" them their relationship with Christ. Instead we believe that it's the believers responsibility to pursue God. We want to empower you in your walk and on your journey.

2. To build your family. We've also done an injustice to families by saying, bring your kids to our children's ministry, and allow us to be the spiritual leader in your child's life. Instead...we want to empower you to build your family the way that scripture instructs parents to do. We want to be reinforcing what you are teaching at home. I realize that not every child that walks through the doors of our children's ministry will have a family that does this...I wouldn't have, and that's where it is the church's responsibilty to pour into the next generation and build them up.

If you are single, the actions and wise decisions that make now, will help in building your family.

3. To experience life in a small group of believers. We want ministry to be on a personal level. So we encourage community to happen within a group of believers that have things in common. It's encouragment, accountability and just the presence of other believers in your life.

4. To influence those in your natural life path. You have more influence over those that you meet at the mailbox, in your favorite restuarant, or at work than you do showing up to some random persons house on Thursday night for visitation. We want to strip you have having to be a part of endless programs that drag people down, and free you up to do ministry in your own natural path.

It's been a roller coaster ride trying to adopt to this model of ministry, but nowI'vet i've embraced it, it's been an amazing to see the way that God has worked through me.

Since it's 8:45 p.m. Alabama time....

I feel safe to say that my phone might not ring again tonight, which means that some friends (mee-maws) forgot something today.

ok...so sara beth called as i typed this. she's safe from elimination.

Sorry Matt

It's just easier to do the list again...

Reasons I'm a happier person

*I got to see my mother. You know when you see someone and you just sigh that huge sigh...like your home and your safe and nothing else in the world matters at that moment...because you are with them. I love my mother.
*I got to spend a weekend at home...with things paid for. I love it when I go home and eat out 10 times and family pays for it all. Not that I am spoiled at all.
*I got to see almost everyone that I really cared anything about seeing...and even a few good that I didn't expect at Homecoming Friday night.
*I got to see Anna go through her Senior Homecoming. She has more inner and outer beauty than she will ever realize. She makes me proud to know her. I love you ANNER!
*I got PAID! Oh what a huge blessing to the bank account because I was about to go sell myself in downtown ATL. I hear the going rate on Jimmy Carter is more than the public school system.

Reasons I'm NOT so happy
*New Hope lost Friday night. A few really bad mistakes and some HORRIBLE calling. To the zebras...you deserved everything you got Friday night.
*Alabama lost...but at least it wasn't a blow out like expected.

Quote from the weekend.....
Heard from the stands of the New Hope High School Football game...directed at the sorry refs.

"Get out of here you jackass..."
"That's not a jackass...that's a zebra!"

Ready, Set...Go

Here's the rundown....

* It's 8:34 (Eastern Time) and I'm fighting to stay awake till 9.
* Working at the High School is going good...
* Kids today are NOT the same as when WE were teenagers....
* Two out of the three statements above make me sound like my mother.
* The Church at Mill Creek's future is amazing, exciting, and scary all at the same time.
* Getting paid once a month from the school board system STINKS...and therefore you cannot reach me on my cell phone until the end of this week. In fact...just plan to probably not reach me on the last week of the month for a while.
* Continuing that thought...don't expect me to eat out, pay bills or drive anywhere other than my house and work on that last week either.
* I miss my mother. Bad. Really bad.
* I'll confess that I resent my dad because he's the reason my mother will never come see me here in Georgia.
* On second thought...maybe it's because she won't drive outside of New Hope.
* I miss my friends.
* I kinda miss my life pre - 5:30 A.M. Wake up calls
* Darlene starts Chemo Thursday
* I get to see Darlene and the rest that is New Hope on Thursday
* It's the begining of fall time in NEW HOPE!! (They might even make it to the playoffs this year!)
* Alabama's kicker sucks
* I'm coming up with stuff to make my list seem longer and my life less boring.
* The mee-maw babies are CUTE!!! Recent picture on their blogs (see right) prove that.
* I want to believe what I know to be true about God. Try to figure that out.
* When you see a therapist and he has to diagram your life on his note pad...signs are...YOU'RE CRAZY!!
* God is faithful and good and at the end of the day...that's all that is important.

* The end!

I'm bout to lose my Jesus card...

real quickly if these strange calls from a 229 area code don't quit. I get them, like clock work at 2 a.m. every morning. It's really about to tick me off. Sorry...had to vent.

Other than that....I think we need to make some plans for HOCKEY DAY girls. I always say that I'm coming...and then punk out! Well...not this year. I need some babies, some mee-maws, some Hockey, a little J & R's and a LOT of Pennies in my life SOON!

Who's in?

I asked for a word.....

" I have a special concern for you church leaders. I know what it's like to be a leader, in on Christ's sufferings as well as the coming glory. Here is my concern: that you care for God's flock with all the diligence of a shepard. Not because you have to, but because you want to please God. Not calculating what you can get out of it, but acting spontaneously. Not bossily telling others what to do, but tenderly showing them the way. When God, who is the best shepard of all, comes out in the open with his rule, he'll see that you've done it right and commend you lavishly. And you who are younger must follow your leaders. But all of you, leaders and followers alike, are to be down to earth with each other, for - God has has it with the proud, But takes delight in just plain people. So be content with who you are, and don't put on airs. God's strong hand is on you; he'll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you. Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You're not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It's the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won't last forever. It won't be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ--eternal and glorious they are! --will have you put together and on your feet for good. He get's the last word; yes, he does!"

1 Peter 5: 1-11 (The Message)

Now I know this is Peter writing to exiles scattered "to the four winds", but these words...especially in bold...give me comfort right now.

What does wholeness look like to you?

It's a Full Moon

So I never really believed the connection between the full moon and weird behavior until I started working around teenagers. But this week, I've seen it in the kids and maybe even a little in myself.

So I'm finally updating, I know I'm a sorry person. There's just so much in my heart and head right now that I really don't know where to begin or even if I should.

Darlene's surgery went great, and she is doing so well. I'm so excited for her that she made it through as wonderful as she did. She will start Chemo in a few weeks. Just keep her in your prayers through this time.

I now officially work for the Gwinnett County School System as a Para-Pro at Mill Creek High School (which is actually the high school our church plant meets at). I work in the Special Ed Department there. It all started after I subbed there for three weeks in the Severe Autistic class. I'm not actually in that class anymore (which makes me sad) but I'm still near it and in the area with the same people. It's been neat meeting new people and having a whole new group of friends.

Otherwise I'm just in a really weird place right now. I feel myself checking out of some things. It's amazing how caught up you get in the work that God wants to do and begins to do, and when the process gets painful and the change starts happening, you quickly revert back to your old self and take yourself out of the process. I'm not all the way out yet, but if I don't get coaxed back in soon, I may miss this chance.

I'll write more when I get all my thoughts together. There just not there now.

Tomorrow

My dear friend Darlene has her surgery tomorrow. If you think about it, please say a prayer for her. It's a scary thing, especially as a women, to have both of your breast removed.

Thanks!

Heather gets an A+ for coming to see me....

I love you friend!

The Dash

www.thedashmovie.com

I found out last weekend that my dear friend Darlene has breast cancer. Then I found out that she was having both breast removed, now we know that she needs chemotherapy.

I've done ok with all of this till today, when I saw this movie.

Just please pray. I don't have the promise that she'll be healed here on earth, but I do have the promise that she will be healed.

I'm not angry...i'm just angry

So we've been moving right along in this book that we are doing in our small group. We are starting to get into the "diseases" of the heart that he refers to. He list them as Guilt, Anger, Jealousy and Envy.

Buddy, when we got to the Anger part, I didn't realize just how much of an angry person I really am. I mean, not all the time, but when certain names from the past come up (birth mother) or just certain past situations, I can get fired up.

But he also says in the book, "When are you going to quit letting people who are not in your life, or maybe even dead, have control over your life." And that's true. There are so many good moments stolen from me, because I still hold on to some of these anger issues.

So...i'm going to put on my big girl pants, and deal with them once and for all. I"m going to get them into the light, so that they don't breed in the darkness!

I don't want to be an angry elf for the rest of my life!

Process

So I had this whole great idea for a post, but i'm too tired to write it all down, or do that much thinking, so i'll just update for the moment.

I'm back to subbing. Why you might ask? Because we are still all bi-vocational and that's the wonderful load I get to carry along with, secretary, nursery, preschool and Children's MINISTER!

But I'm really loving the class that I am in right now. I'm there for four weeks while the other para-pro is on medical leave. It's a class with 5 severe autistic kids. I say kids, but they range from 14-19, so they are actually pretty big.

Dante, Jacki, Mikey, Stanley and Chardane have my heart. I've actually not met Chardane yet, but it's coming soon. But Dante, Jacki, Mikey and Stanley are the best. They'll never be able to say anything to me verbally, but they speak volumes into my life.

I'll post pictures soon. I love every part of it, except getting up at 5:45 AM every morning. Yeah...that sucks bad!

Life is good though, and God is faithful. He's calling me into deep water with him right now, and I know I won't sink, but the call to swim comes with a great price. One that I'm not sure I am willing to embrace right now.

Wholeness...Oh Lord, why now? And what's the cost going to be...I'm sure the end is worth it, but I just need that push into the water. And a life-jacket wouldn't hurt!!!

I'm with Ashley

Sometimes a song just puts it so much better than you can. Rest...doesn't necessarily mean that I need to slow down, but more of an attitude that I need to embrace.

Taste the presence of God in this place
And know that He is here
Taste the presence of God in this place
And know that it is real

Hold His hand, let His warmth
Drown out this world so cold
Hear His voice whispering
Never let it grow old

Rest in His arms, feel the breeze
Flowing gently through our hair
See his smile, know He's pleased
When our praises feel the air
Oh my Lord
Oh my God

Taste the presence of God in this place
Taste the presence of God in this place
Taste the presence of God, the presence of God

My 100th post

I wanted it to be special..and it is...this is my friend Karla's new little baby! He was having a good dream. I love Philip Andrew Dickey!
And my brother. See the family line?? I kinda can...maybe it will be different when we meet each other!

You're coming on this journey with me...

Why? Cause I have nothing better to post about, and sometimes I just like to post...so buckle up...it might get a little bumpy the next few weeks!

We started the book tonight. Jason talked about how many times we check our behavior instead of our hearts...and that's so true. Someone will ask me...how are you doing...well I quit smoking, quit drinking, haven't said to many bad words this week, have killed anyone...I must be doing pretty well. When the truth is, I have bigger walls up around my heart than the great wall of China, and I'm slow to want those to go down. I like my walls, they protect me. Instead I should be looking to God to protect my heart.

He also talked about how experiences from the past are the ones that put up those walls...big and small...good and bad...and that's the layers that we have to allow God to peel back. They didn't get there overnight and they're probably not going to go away that quickly either.

So it was a pretty good start. A few of the others mentioned that they are a little scared of this process as well, so I feel a little more comforted by the whole thing. Maybe this can be my counseling and i'll save a few hundred bucks that I don't have anyway!!

I'm just thankful that the Lord is so faithful in my life. Faithful to bring things to the surface that I need to walk through, faithful to have brought me friends that no matter where we go or what we do...we love each other unconditionally, faithful to bring friends in my life for such a time as this...friends who "get me" at that moment, faithful to see me though the changes of life and what they may hold. He's faithful and good.

Going to see Talladega nights tomorrow...wahoo...don't usually get excited about movies, but i'm dang excited about this one.

So i'm not a wife or mother

But does it just seem sometimes like you do the same thing day after day. Everyday there seems to be clothes that need washing, a house that needs to be clean, if I want to eat something other than McDonalds or something nasty like that, then I have to cook, which means I have to clean.

I have a great job, amazing friends, but sometimes I just start the day thinking...am I really going to do anything different today than yesterday.

We are starting a new book in our small group...excuse me...life group this week. It's called "It came from within", by Andy Stanley.

Here's what the back of it says...

"You can't run from what lurks within! More frightening than Frankenstein. More destrcutive than alien invaders. They will numb your soul, steal your life, and threathen your most treasured relationships. Who are these creatures? Where do they come from? At the fall of mankind they were unleased on the world, wreaking havoc and sending thousands fleeing from their homes. And their lair is found in the last place anyone wants to look - the mysterious depths of their own hearts! But be encouraged, these monsters have a weakness. They can be defeated. You can escape their clutches and be free of their influence. Learn the truth - before it's too late."

Sounds fun huh? Not really. I mean i'm excited we are doing it, and excited that our life group is so amazing here, but really ... Do I want to discuss matters of the heart, especially my heart, with a group of people. Um...no.

But, can't exactly not do it either.

So it's been how many months since JDay!! Oh well!

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Things I'm thankful for....

1. That Heather loves me!
2. That I'll always have friends that care about my life...and vise versa!
3. That MBS and her husband are great people and came to see me. You win for the most trips to see me so far!
4. That Ashley is in children's ministry and understands the burden and love that this job is!!
5. That even though our mee-maw roles change, get re-defined, get added on too, or dissolve, one thing remains...we're friends.
6. That despite how unworthy I am, God still continues to work in my life in amazing, incredible ways.

The End!

More updates

So...my dad actually had a heart attack. He's been in the hospital since Sunday morning. They thought that he may have just choked, but the test that they ran on Sunday and all day Monday showed that he did have a heart attack.

He's ok. Just trying to get him to calm down some. He still has pneumonia on top of all of this from inhaling stuff into his lungs as he was having the heart attack.

But he's doing good. The man has 9 lives I swear.

I'll keep you updated!

Update

Here's a really quick update on a lot of stuff.

1. Talked to my brother on Thursday night. He's 30, lives in Georgia and has had a heck of a life. Meaning, when he was 16 he went rebellious and has lived a pretty hard life since. But, he's straightened up since then and seems to be on a better track. He asked a lot of questions, I gave some real honest answers. Lots of emotions being brought up that I don't really want to deal with, but the fact that I get to meet my brother out of all of this makes it worth it.

2. Dad almost died yesterday. I left the New Hope around 6:30 yesterday morning headed back to ATL and by the time I got here, I got a phone call saying that daddy was in the hospital. At the nursing home that morning he got choked on his breakfast and was without air for some time. When they finally got it dislodged he inhaled some of it into his lungs and now pneumonia has set in. He's still in the hospital but seems to be doing ok...a little shaken up by the whole thing. But he's ok. He should be going back to the nursing home sometime today or tomorrow.

So that's it...my life...one big Oprah moment after another!

Awww

Random Pictures

It's a boy??

So before some of you going freaking out about that subject line...i'll get right into an explanation.

Most of you may know that I am adopted. I've known this fact all of my life and have truly been blessed by the outcome.

Many of you also know that because I'm adopted by family, and in recent years I have been able to meet my biological brother and sister (from my birth father's side) and their families.

Well tonight I have received the news that another biological brother (this time from my birth mother's side) has opened up his adoption files. Because he was not adopted by family, his records have remained sealed until now, and it has been at his request that they be opened.

A case worker has contacted my adopted mother and hopefully by the end of the week, I will know if there is a chance that I will be meeting my biological brother.

So...needless to say...I'm excited, thrilled and scared to death at the same time. If nothing else my prayer has always been to know that he's ok and to know that he was raised in a good family. I now know that both are true.

So...I ask for your prayers this week. Please pray that I will have wisdom in decisions that I have to make. Whether the outcome is the way I want it or not, God has already answered prayers through all of this. He is so good and so faithful...in the big and small things of our lives.

I love you all and hope and pray that your week is amazing as well!

Love, Christy

It's back

That lump in my throat that I carried around last year, meaning that I felt like I was going to cry at any minute. Last year it came because I was going through hell with some friends of mine from home, and because God was getting me ready for the biggest move in my life.

But now what is it? Is it because I thought things were going to be so much different here but the truth is you can't out run your demons. Or is it because things really are different here...and that scares me. Or maybe just because I'm homesick and feel like I have a world to shoulder sometimes.

Whatever the reason is why it's back...I wish it would leave.

On a few updating notes. And please don't comment to much on these since the world apparently reads this thing.

1. A week down!
2. Pray for me Monday at 1:45...Marie it's your turn now!
3. I get my car back this week. Dang deer!
4. I love and miss you all!!! Really bad! Who wants to plan a get together!!??

I'm on a mission

You should all go to www.bbcnyc.com/signup.htm

or www.tlc.com and nominate me for What Not To Wear. I'm on a mission to get on this show. PLEASE HELP!!!

Like you didn't have enough BLOGS to look at

here's another one.

This one is being updated all this week.

It's www.tcamc.blogspot.com

It's of the power plant that is going on right now. Basically a bunch of high school and middle school students come help church plants (that's us) go into their communities and get the word out about the churches and help do community impact stuff.

The only staff that you'll see will be me since all of our guys are all at the beach suffering for Jesus! Must be a rough life....

That's it!

One less Bambi in the world

The Escort is ok...the passenger side door won't work..but who's ever brave enough to ride with me anyway!

I'm ok. I think. I took a tylenol PM around 1:30 this morning because Bambi's head coming at me was the only thing that I could see when I shut my eyes.

My former youth pastor might be able to regain his hearing after being on the phone with me while the whole incident occurred.

And for the record...I don't know if the deer died, I don't know if it was a girl deer or a boy deer, or what kind of freaking rack it had on it, AND I REALLY DON'T CARE!!

Oh well!

Only in the world of me...

Could one of my new jobs be....staying with a lady who is 104 years old. Her grandmother shook Lincoln's hand. I want to hear stories, she wants to cheat at Skip-bo. Oh well.

I'm a hypocrite

...i yell at everyone else to update and then I don't for forever. I'm sure that's not the only way i'm a hypocrite. In fact i'm quite sure of it.

So i'm depressed because I just took a quiz for depression and it says i'm depressed.

Did you get that? Seriously...It says that i'm depressed and should be on medication. But I sure don't want that. I just want to get out of this funk that i'm in. Everything is great, I mean sure I miss home, but that's not it. That's not the source of it, I don't think. Homesickness is one thing.

Course it could be because i'm lazy, eat way...way unhealthy and can't fall asleep until 2 in the morning, so I sleep till 10 the next morning and feel like crap for it.

It also doesn't help that all the guys from the church that are usually in the office are getting ready to leave for most of the summer. Well some of them longer than others. I mean don't get me wrong...I have done an amazing amount of work this week...but IT'S SO BORING around here...around my life for that fact. I mean who wants to not have hardly any human contact for a whole week at a time.

My roomate is great though and she got treated like crap this weekend by a stupid boy, and I just may have to drive to Augusta and open up a can on him. Seriously.

So that's it...if you want to know more call...not that there's really anything anyone could do...but you should call anyway!

Me!

Sweet Home Alabama!!!

So this update should be a fun one!

I'm slowly getting over the bird flu...or bronchitis as some like to call it. I went to the doctor last Friday. She gave me 2 inhalers, a round of anti-biotic, some other pill and told me that I should have come in earlier. Well you start paying my bills lady...and i'll come in every time my nose is running.

This past Wednesday, my room mate Aundrea and my friend Nate and I all made the trip to the New Hope, to pick up a couch that Kim and Greg gave me. It's the best couch in the whole wide world...and why they got rid of it, I'll never know....but I'm glad they did.

While we were there we stopped by the nursing home to visit my daddy. Well, while we were there, they got to meet the "lady" of New Hope. This woman has been in prison twice for killing two men, she shot another but her son took the blame so she wouldn't be sent to death row...and it's believed that she shot another man, but was never caught. But there she was, at the nursing home, talking to my mother like they are old friends, talking about how her shoes were "killing her." Nice choice of words.

The house is finally starting to come together. Everything but my room that is. It still has a ways to go...but it's getting there.

I'm going home next Thursday and staying until Monday morning. I can't wait. I'm so ready to spend a few days at home and not feel rushed. Being home for only 2 hours the other day was hard. I was so ready to see my mother and then had to turn around and leave. I'm really homesick...but I'll get over it, I'm sure.

The End!

See what the bird flu can do to you!

Happy Happy Birthday, we're so glad you came...

Happy Happy Birthday to the mee-maw gang!

Ok...that was really cheesy...but I don't care.

Happy Birthday to my good friends Heather Weather (11th) and Sara hyphenated Beth (13th). Your birthday cards are in the mail and you are NOT allowed to tell anybody about them. Why? Because the card was so dang funny that I bought 8 of them and ALL the mee-maws will get one eventually. (beth and susan...you can either wait until next year or I could just send you a pretend birthday card now!!)

Other than it being my great friend's birthday's. I'm sick as a dog. I think I may have the bird flu.

Dance Dance!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMH0bHeiRNg


How many of these do we remember!!!???

Home Sweet Home

I'm so freaking tired...but it's a good tired. We've moved into the new home this weekend. Well Aundrea did more of the MOVING and I just kinda unloaded my stuff.

It's amazing how much more permanent things seem now. That's good and bad in a lot of different ways.

I went to a conference last week with Ashley Smith. The conference was amazing, the road trip...and yes it turned in to a full road trip to the Steak and Shake was even better! Well almost. Louie, Reggie, Andy and the whole bunch at Northpoint are amazing. I'm not out to copy them...but why re-invent the wheel on some things.

I went home this weekend to see one of the youth from FBC New Hope go off to prom. In my mind she's still four like when I met her. But in reality she's about to be a Senior. She's still red-headed and freckled face and beautiful. She looked AMAZING!!!

Other than that, life is random. But then again...it is MY life....

Criddy

Oh My Gosh!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFYDBtKeG2k&search=two%20chinese%20boys%20i%20want%20it%20that%20way

The funniest thing I've seen in a long time.

When Oh When

Is it going to be my turn to post on the Judson website that i'm engaged.

My life as I know it, is now over.

http://www.judson.edu/content.asp?id=87677

I know, I'm being mean, but if you don't like it, then quit reading my blog!!

Still Listening

I would lay me down to sleep
And pray the Lord my soul to keep
And thought I never saw Him there
I believe He heard each prayer
For God was great, And God was good=
And I knew if I spoke the words
He would be listening

The years can take us far away
From the simple child like faith
But I am longing to return
To the place where I first learned
That God is great, and God is good
So, I will speak the words

God, our Father, once again
I bow my head to pray
You are my Father and my friend and You hear every word I say
A prayer for forgiveness, A desperate cry for help
Or praise flowing from a thankful heart
Like each time before, I come knowing You're still listening

I will never understand
How the words of mortal man
Can reach the ears of One so pure
And touch His heart, but they do I'm sure
For God is great, and God is good
And He is love

God, our Father, once again
I bow my head to pray
You are my Father and my friend, and You hear every word I say
A pray for forgiveness, A desperate cry for help
Or praise flowing from a thankful heart
Like each time before, I come knowing You're still listening

Now I lay me down to sleep
And pray the Lord my soul to keep
Though I may not see You there
I believe You'll hear each prayer.

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood

and I'm inside an office. How much does that stink??? But i've been pretty much on task today...and that's good.

My favorite group is the Crabb Family and most of you know this. Well they've recorded one of my favorite songs...Friend of God. Well i'm listening to their new album...Blur The Lines (Which is where they took some contemporary songs and sang them like only the Crabb family can.) Well...as I listen to this wonderful album...I'm getting work done and only half listening....Suddenly...I hear this strange sound coming from the CD player...what you may ask!!!

IT'S THE FREAKING CRABB FAMILY SINGING I AM A FRIEND OF GOD IN SPANISH!!!!!!

What the crap?? Does nobody love me anymore?? Do I actually have to listen to even the Crabb Family sing in Spanish. GEEZ!

I still love them...please don't get me wrong...but come on. Have some mercy!

The End!

dangerous minds

Ever seen the movie?? I swear that's the situation I subbed in today...however my thugs were 7th graders. Ira's comment as he bolted into the room was....It's my goal to make you cry today....MY RESPONSE....I promise you, you won't achieve it.

GEEZ...I needed a stiff drink or drugs by the time I left, but the other teachers seemed pleasantly surprised that I had not broke down by the end of the day. Great. Thanks for the encouragement!

Anyway...I'm going home to the New Hope tomorrow. Praise Jesus! I'm ready to see my mama!!!

That's about it! I have to go into deep seclusion for an hour or two.

Happy Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to my favorite citizen of Prague!!! Happy Birthday Day Suuuuuusssan!

Love New Hope!

Choices

If anyone can tell me who in country music sings a song by this title...you when the OLD country (as in before Garth Brooks) trivia game!

So I've been thinking a lot lately about choices and it's occurred to me that I have a lot of them to make. It's my choice whether my day is crappy or not or if my attitude sucks (and may I mention that it has been recently...or so I think.) I may not be able to choose the circumstances that I am under, or what events will happen in my day, but it doesn't mean that I still don't have to choice to make the best out of it.

I've been thinking about how blessed I am and how spoiled I really can be. I'm always complaining that i'm tired but then I think of my mother that has been getting up at 2:15 to go to work by 4 so that she can get home at 5 in the afternoon, spend the next 2 hours at the nursing home with my dad, talk to me and a few of my aunts on the phone for a few minutes and then go right back to bed to do it all over again. I have nothing to complain about.

I complain that I don't have any money, but then I think about the people that have jobs that pay less than mine (if I was getting paid), don't have chances to earn extra money (like I do) and still have spouses and kids to feed and raise and bills to pay.

I complain that there's not enough time, when if I really counted up how many hours in the day I spend doing POINTLESS things it would be unbelievable.

That's my realization for the week I guess. That I'm spoiled and have a bad attitude...what a grand realization to have too!

So that's my random thoughts for today.

Holy Mess this hurt!

I'm sure this was unsanctioned!

Get out of the darkness!

My Big Sis and Me!

Somedays

Somedays I feel like I am just floating in space. No where that's really home, no where were I really belong, just here. That's today!

Hailey Bre-Anne

http://www.growingfamily.com/webnursery/babypage_view.asp?URLID=6X2D1H9D7H

That's the newest of the nieces. She's precious. If the link doesn't work...go to www.springhillmedicalcenter.com

online nursery, march 24 Hailey S.

Update on my family.

Thank you for all of your prayers for my family over the past few weeks. As most of you know we lost two of my daddy's brothers in a two week period. Uncle Zack passed away 2 weeks ago Sat of a long battle with cancer, and then Saturday my cousin Judy Carol found her father dead of a massive stroke. It's weird to think that my daddy was once one of 12 and that just 2 weeks ago there were 4 and now there's only 2. This is the 3rd brother to pass away since November. My mother has also been battling high blood pressure but it's now under control thanks to medication.

Please continue to remember my family in your prayers.

Update time!

So life is good. God has been reminding me lately just how blessed I really am. Over the past few weeks I have had some really neat moments with my friends from home, from here and from Judson and that's been exciting.

Family update - My uncle Zack passed away 2 weeks ago and this morning we got the call that my dad's other brother John C. passed away this morning of a stroke. It's sad to think that daddy once had 11 brothers and sisters and now only has one. I never imagined that my daddy would make it to the final two, but he's a tough old bird I guess. He has his good days and bad days. I've come to terms with the relationship that I've had with my daddy over the last few months of my life. I understand now that my daddy has always loved me, he just didn't know how to show it. I'm glad I've been able to get to that point before it's too late. It also has helped me change my view of seeing God as my Father. Complicated...but when is my life not??

My sister and brother have both added additions to their families and MANY pictures are coming soon!!

Georgia update - Things are good. I've started subbing which is neat. It's income and it has confirmed what I've always known about me...I'm good with kids but I'm not called to be a teacher. I would shoot myself. Geez! But I'm having fun and need the money so it's all good!

I'm moving at the beginning of May into a house with a friend named Aundrea. We are really excited. We've been picking out colors and patterns and looking at stuff. We are actually going to IKEA today which makes me happy!

Life is just good. God is blessing me so much here and the more that I realize what a journey this really is, the more I get excited about what all is in our future. I love the people that I work with and I can't believe that I get to be a part of this. It's just mind blowing.

Judson update - I was so glad that I went to hear MBS Mandy preach at Judson the other day. It was good to be around friends that I hadn't seen in a while and see friends that I might not see for some time since we all seem to be moving in our different directions.

I'm so freaking excited about JDAY! Wow...I'm so ready and need it so bad!

So that's the update! Peace out! Criddy!

Shout out time!

So I thought I would give this guy a plug. Jason Britt is one of our pastors here at Mill Creek. He handles all the admin stuff, office stuff and money stuff. He calls me hurricane because apparently he's never met a redneck girl who could beat him up. People almost think we hate each other, and we think we just might have been separated at birth, but he's a good guy! He keeps me thinking theologically and that's become extremely important to me. He's never afraid to ask the tough questions no matter whose around and dude will pray for you at the drop of a hat. So check out his blog. jbritt.blogspot.com

One more time

My brother, sister-in-law, and nephew Hunter welcomed Hailey Breanne Simms into the world this morning. She came in a 7lbs and 10 ounces and 19 inches long. I can't wait to see them both and hold them and kiss them and be there aunt!!! awwww! yay!

Words cannot express....

what I feel when I saw this baby for the first time. This is Lexi Marie Goodwin, my beautiful niece.

http://www.growingfamily.com/webnursery/babypage_view.asp?URLID=5O6R5O6O6F

If that link doesn't work and you have time go to...

www.springhillmedicalcenter.com

Online nursery

March 9th. Lexi G

Aunt Christy

I am an Aunt again today

Little Lexi made her debut this morning, coming in at 8lbs and 2 ounces and 21.5 inches long! I'll post pics as SOON as I get them. I am so excited!!!

A famous quote

"I actually had silence last week, and it was good, until it became painful and this week I have avoided it at all cost."

Ok so it's not famous, and i'm quoting myself. It's a comment I made on a friend's blog. If there has ever been a true statement that I have made...this has been it!

I'm now considering Hebrews chapter 4!

A random post...

1. I'm breaking out the NO EASY SALVATION. I'm in a theological mood all of a sudden!

2. This month...well as long as it takes me...i'm going to work my way through Ephesians. Not sure why I chose this book, maybe it's because there's a bible study about it laying on my desk. so that seems like an easy choice for right now. I'll post my thoughts as I go through it. Anyone else care to join me???

3. To my friends -
Jennifer...can I come play?
Heather...if Jennifer says I can come to her house do you want to ride together...i need some mee-maw time.
Susan - I'm sad that Marie has to leave you. If I ever have any money or bravery to leave the country again...maybe i'll come see you too!!!
Marie - Hope your trip was good and hope you made it back safe.
Beth - Let's do a phone date...you just call me when you have time this week and i'll make time for you friend!!! i can't wait to catch up with you for real this time!
Sara Beth - I hope you are so the random "day" student that comes back to graduation and steals the awards away from those little 4.0 *******...you know what i mean???
Kellie - I'll call soon...kiss blakeney for me!
Ashley - I will come kick some little gnome A...just call me...
Mandy Mac - I LOVE MBS is coming...and it's going to be great!

Anyone else that lurks on my blog...i hope you are great!

Criddy

It's all in a name....

We are trying to name our children's ministry at THE CHURCH AT MILL CREEK...any ideas??

Jason Britt...if by some chance you read this...we ARE NOT NAMING THEM...MILL CREEK CRITTERS!! =)

I don't want it to be something like Kid's Place or Kid's Club or anything like that...something that identifies us and flows with our church...

WOuldn't mind to play off the creek theme...but Up the Creek doesn't seem to work either. Even though our worship ministers' last name is ORR and he thinks Up the Creek with an ORR would be a good idea!

I'm so lazy...

I really miss home, especially since it's been a month since I've been there and this will only be the second time since I've been moved that I've been home....but dang i'm lazy and just don't want to drive that long a drive!! (for those of you that think i just made a grammatical mistake...just keep thinking that!! ) Geez! It would be ok if it were interstate...but dang if I don't have to get off on the stop light capital of highways and freaking travel 431 almost the whole way home. I just wish I could click my heels like Dorothy and just be there!!!

I do need to go home, but I also have a lot to get done here. I'm going to have to bust my rear tomorrow to get A LOT done...maybe no bed time for Criddy. There's just a lot that we are changing this Sunday that HAS to be done by Sunday because I'm STUPID and already communicated to the parents that I will have these changes made. I don't know how I am ever going to be all that I have to do only be in the office once or twice a week! God please don't let me get burned out again. Please!! But the difference is that we have fun (most of the time), and I think we love and respect each other....sometimes it's hard when you are around guys all the time and all you ever are, is sarcastic all the time!

So anyway...i'm just griping because I'm tired. Really tired!

I am so excited that MY Big sister (she adopted me towards the end) will be the chapel speaker at an upcoming Judson Chapel. Mandy...do you want me to make a sign that says I LOVE MBS like the ones at Pageant and hold it up for you!!! (j/k)

I will be there with bells on and then will head BACK to JC in April for the much anticipated J-DAY! Mee-maws...we made the cover of the brochure...did anyone else see this??

So...IF I CALL YOU TONIGHT...ANSWER...CAUSE I WANT TO GRIPE! YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!!!

LOVE, ME